Uncommon in the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Species distribution uncertain but probably east coast of Australia from southern Queensland to at least Sydney.
Frequents sand and rubble areas near reefs, where it can build a burrow lined with rubble and shell material. Depth from 30 - 50 m.
Commonly seen with just the head visible from its burrow, these fishes are shy and retreat tail first when threatened. This species has an elongate body and a large mouth which is used to incubate eggs. Grows to about 20 cm.
Kuiter, R. H., Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Published by Crawford House Press Pty. Ltd., 1993. p313.
Atlas of Living Australia website at https://bie.ala.org.au/search?q=Opistognathus+jacksoniensis. Accessed 17/06/18.
FishBase. Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2018. World Wide Web electronic publication. https://fishbase.ca/summary/Opistognathus-jacksoniensis.html. Accessed 17/06/18.